Building Sustainable Mission-Driven Businesses with Johanna Haggerty, A-B Tech Small Business Center Community Partner, and Founder of Biz Hero
In this episode of No Limits, Duane Adams welcomes Johanna Haggerty, Founder of Biz Hero, a valued community partner and friend of the Small Business Center. Johanna works with mission-driven businesses and organizations to help them grow with clarity, strategy, and sustainable impact.
Johanna shares her journey from mental health and the arts community into business strategy, where she discovered a passion for helping creatives and entrepreneurs build stronger, more sustainable ventures. Drawing from her own experiences—including early business successes and challenges—she emphasizes the importance of developing solid systems, learning from setbacks, and staying grounded in purpose.
Throughout the conversation, Johanna highlights her practical, customized approach to business support, which focuses on assessing challenges, creating strategic plans, and guiding implementation. She stresses that there is no one-size-fits-all solution and cautions against relying on generic advice or quick fixes, particularly in areas like marketing and funding.
The discussion also explores the importance of mission-driven decision-making, the role of profit as a tool for impact, and the need for alignment between personal values and business goals. Johanna speaks candidly about the emotional side of entrepreneurship and the value of community, collaboration, and simply having space to be heard.
She also introduces the Biz Hero Solutions Lab, an interactive, peer-based event designed to help entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders identify challenges, build connections, and develop practical solutions.
This episode offers valuable insights for small business owners, nonprofit leaders, and anyone seeking to build a resilient, purpose-driven organization.
